When the weather turns cold and the roads get treacherous having an all-wheel drive
vehicle, appropriate tires and some winter driving acumen can make white-knuckle conditions
much safer.
So this is a good week to have the all-new 2014 BMW X5 with their take on 4-wheel traction
called xDrive.X5It'd be fair to say it was frigid and snowy this week.
Subzero temps and over a foot of powder from 2 separate storms kept my driving in high-alert,
full winter mode.
For the first time, BMW offers this 3rd gen X5 in a rear drive model.
Luckily that's not the one I'm testing.
This here is the xDrive35i -- in BMW parlance that means it's equipped with all-wheel drive
and a 300-horse 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6.
Far reaching changes were not in BMW's plans with this X5, so though it is 2" longer, the
remainder of its measurements remains virtually unchanged including its wheelbase.
Ditto on the mechanical side where the same motor and 8-speed automatic carry over.
But in their pursuit of EfficientDynamics, BMW was able to squeeze out another 2mpg in
combined driving, now rated at 18mpg city/27mpg highway.
Weight is down by about 170 pounds, there's an ECO PRO driving mode which conserves energy
and regenerative brakes provide an electrical boost for the Auto Start/Stop system, which
curiously never triggered during my test week, perhaps due to the demand I placed on the
electrical system to keep everyone warm.
The optional Cold Weather package kept my backside toasty, but the heated steering wheel
took the week off -- bad timing.
Aerodynamic improvements also aid in the fuel saving cause.
It's also a little quicker now, able to reach 60mph from a standstill in a speedy 6.2-seconds
-- and does it all with the utmost refinement and precision.
Most BMWs are shopped for now by the type of line you desire and this one is the Luxury
line.
xLine and M Sport lines are also available.
The Luxury is distinguished by a number of subtle exterior trim bits as well as these
19" V-spoke wheels and a sport steering wheel.
Base price of this specific model is $57,725.
And of course mine has a multitude of options from BMW's extensive list, including the extra
charge Mineral White Metallic paint, the super bright and gorgeous full LED lighting with
auto high beams, variable ratio active steering, and safety nets such as a surround view camera,
head up display, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, pedestrian and collision
warning and adaptive cruise control with a Stop and Go feature.
4-zone climate control with adjustable comfort rear seats round out the major add-ons.
MSRP as tested then is a pause-worthy $70,975.
I had the xDrive working overtime this week -- a full time all-wheel drive system with
power biased to the rear until the front axle needs to take on more of the duty, up to 100%.
xDrive has been tweaked this year to be lighter and more efficient and when equipped with
the Dynamic Handling Package -- not optioned on my tester- takes 4-wheel control even further
by adding torque vectoring across the rear axle.
Hill decent control is here and modulates the vehicle at low speeds leaving you to simply
steer.
Remember, finding traction is only part of the driving on slippery roads equation.
Being able to stop the vehicle is equally, if not more, important.
And though if I owned it, true snow tires would be fitted, as is with its all-seasons,
the X5 feels stable and in control.
These Goodyear Eagle LS-2 run flats didn't do the X5 any favors, so as is, I wouldn't
grade xDrive any greater than or less than competing systems.
And the front wipers were not up to real winter weather conditions.
My X5 complaints stem mainly around the seats -- too firm without enough thigh support or
side bolstering in the front and placed too low in the rear forcing kids into a cave-like
place and leaving adults to stare into the front headrests.
A 3rd row is a $1,700 option and comes bundled with air suspension.
I also have a case of sticker shock with this X5 -- not because it doesn't impress in the
way it drives because it does, but simply because there are a number of competitors
that offer truer SUV capabilities wrapped in similar luxury for far less.